Write to be Read

Warning.... this will probably be a rant of sorts.

So there's been a lot on the internet recently where I've seen a lot of slamming agents, slamming self-pubbers, slamming traditional pubs (The big pubs), slamming small presses, slamming blogs slamming the ground, paperback vs. hardback, uagented authors vs. agented authors, big deals vs. small deals, and so on.

And all of this kind of got me thinking. Didn't we authors (and bloggers) start writing just so our work could be read? Does it really, seriously matter which vehicle we chose? Rather it be the traditional route (agent ---> big pub) vs. not quite traditional ( unagented---> big pub or agented/unagented ----> small pub) or if you decide to publish your very best work yourself? If people read, isn't that all that really matters? Does the fact that the book is a hardback over paperback or on a Kindle really diminish the reading experience? Coming from someone who prefers the actual physical book, I'd still say no.

  

So I started wondering what is causing all this angst? I think it's because the publishing world is changing. Everyone knows about the rise of ebooks so I'm not going to bore you with that. 

• But does that mean agents are no longer needed? No. Agents are invaluable assets. Wait until someone hands you a contract. You'll going to want an agent or at least a very good entertainment lawyer. Agents are also just pretty damn awesome.

• Does that mean traditional pubs are the devil? Uh. No.  I bang my head off a desk every time I see someone slamming on of the big pubs.
• Does that mean small presses can't do anything for  you? They can do just as much or just as less a Big publisher. My pub is a small press... and hey, I'm doing pretty darn good. Bet some of you didn't know that huh? Does that change your interest in Half-Blood? I'd hope not.
• Does it mean that every self-pubbed author is going to make a million bucks off .99 ebooks? If so, someone smack me. Because I'd love a million dollars.
• Does it mean that every self-pubbed author couldn't get published traditionally? No. Some chose to go that route. Some couldn't get pub'd because they needed to work on their craft more. Some are awesome writers who want more control. Who knows?

Anyway, I'm just saying sometimes the best method is to just write to be read. Rather it's 100 readers who read your stuff or a million. It's all the same in the end. Well, your bank account might be different, but the idea of one person reading and loving my book is enough to make me all warm and fuzzy.